So What Is an Improvement, Anyhow?

Within Florida construction law, much emphasis is placed on the “improvement” of real property (real estate). Indeed reference to improvements are often found in Florida construction contracts, and establishing an improvement is required for a contractor to establish a valid lien on a privately owned project. But what specifically are the ins and outs?

Typically, the list of work qualifying as an improvement is continually growing and expanding through court interpretation. The drawings (including preliminary drawings) produced by architects, engineers, and surveyors are deemed improvements. Lighting fixtures are considered improvements, but light bulbs are not an improvement.

The reasonable rental value of equipment and trailers actually used on the work, the value of compressed gasses used by welders on the work, as well as the value of fuel and oil used by machinery at the construction site are all considered improvements and may be claimed in the value of a lien.

The mere acceptance of construction debris, however, at a disposal yard is not deemed to be an improvement establishing lien rights to property. Similarly, neither does the installation of modular workstations, where the contractor “did not demolish, erect or alter any structure, or perform work or furnish materials for its permanent improvement.” (emphasis added).

Through the provisions of the Florida Lien Law, as well as numerous cases decided by the courts, the determination of whether work performed qualifies as an improvement or not is largely based on whether the work is intended to be a permanent benefit to the property. More about Florida Lien Laws can be found here. (Florida Legislature) 

The permanency the courts look to in making the above determination is not necessarily based on a certain number of years for which the improvement is expected to last, however. Permanency in the work is established where the improvement becomes part of the property.

To learn more about Florida Construction, please click here. 

John Caravella, Esq

The author, John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: [email protected] or (631) 608-1346.